TAAI 2005

Special Focus On The Annual Convention In Colombo

54th TAAI Convention To Create Waves

R Sunil Kumar

Staying true to its theme ‘New Waves…New Ways,’ the 54th TAAI Convention has garnered immense support amongst the travel trade circles. Speaking about the convention and providing further update, R Sunil Kumar, chairman, Convention Committee, TAAI 2005, said, “The purpose of the theme is to convey to members of our industry the changing trends and scenario in the global tourism and travel industry. It is going to be an insight into training agents to handle the present day changes with ease and to get them on to a pro-active mode.” Adding further on the registration and participation Kumar said, “With registrations already crossing 250 (400 pax) mark, the committee is expecting to touch 600 registrations and 900 pax.” Having worked out alliances with Indian Airlines, Air Sahara, Jet Airways and Sri Lankan Airlines; delegates had the opportunity to travel to Colombo on subsidised air rates. The committee has also worked out affordable rates for the hotel stays. "Response to registrations has been phenomenal from the first week itself. Even sponsorship of the various sessions, events and entertainment has been terrific," added Kumar.

Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)

The convention will be inaugurated on September 24, 2005 at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) and the committee is in the process of inviting the president of Sri Lanka, Chandrika Kumaratunga as the chief guest. India's Union Minister of Tourism, Renuka Chowdhury and Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel have been invited as speakers for the inaugural function. A themed inaugural featuring some fusion music is also being planned.

The highlights of the convention include current subjects for the business sessions. Interglobe is presenting Vision 2010, a panel discussion with eminent speakers on the emerging scenario. Ron Andruff, President & CEO of Tralliance Corporation, USA will be speaking on ‘Virtual Vs Real - The net wave,’ which will be hosted by RL Group of Companies.

Kamal Gill of Newswire is sponsorimg a session titled 'Aviation : Boom or Bust. Will it last?', with a panel ‘Aviation: Boom or Bust, Will it Last?’ with a panel featuring top of the line leaders of very prominent airlines. Sessions on tourism with emminent speakers is also being worked upon. Air India, Indian Airlines, Star Alliance, SKAL, Jet Airways, Kuwait Airlines, T3 Hospitality, Amadeus, British Airways, Air Sahara, Newswire are all involved in either hosting or setting up unique facilities for arranging various conveniences at the convention as well as for food & beverage. The evenings are earmarked for cocktails, dinner and entertainment.

“The convention committee is completely involved with the designing of an unique event. While most of the design is ready, more value add-on features are being incorporated on a daily basis. Await for more updates," says Kumar.